Raphinha Starts Brazil’s World Cup Campaign for Barcelona

Raphinha became the first Barcelona player to appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he started for Brazil in their Group C match against Morocco. The game was part of a packed day that featured four fixtures over twelve hours. Brazil and Morocco finished the encounter in a 1‑1 draw. Brazil held 51 percent possession, generated 1.27 expected goals, recorded five shots on target and logged 22 touches inside the Moroccan penalty area. Morocco entered the match as the AFCON champions. Raphinha finished the match without a goal or an assist. Vinicius Jr. scored for Brazil and later delivered a cross‑field ball to Raphinha, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Bono.

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The Brazilian winger covered the left flank, switched to the right, operated as a No. 10 and even played as a striker, preventing him from settling into a single role. Brazil’s midfield struggled in the first half while Morocco’s pressing limited clean service to the wide players. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s Barcelona side was not represented beyond Raphinha, but the player completed the full 90 minutes and remained physically sharp. Brazil’s next World Cup fixture against Haiti offers Raphinha another opportunity to influence the tournament. Photographs of the match were supplied by Darrian Traynor and Al Bello.